Elections in Kazakhstan
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Gregory Macris
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
June 13, 2019
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The United States takes note of the preliminary assessment of the OSCE International Election Observation Mission and its conclusions citing “significant irregularities” in Kazakhstan’s recent elections.
We urge the government of Kazakhstan to review the OSCE preliminary report and to take action on the issues it highlights, consistent with Kazakhstan’s OSCE commitments, to bring future elections in line with democratic standards. Besides the excerpts that my Kazakh colleague cited, the OSCE preliminary report also noted “clear violations of fundamental freedoms” while media outlets separately reported 500 arrests of peaceful protestors on Election Day.
ODIHR’s election observation methodology has a sterling reputation among regional organizations, governments, civil society, and the public. Together with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, it delivers high quality election observation that offers a transparent assessment of participating States’ electoral processes.
The United States values its relationship with Kazakhstan and encourages broad political participation for Kazakhstan’s citizens and respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. We call on Kazakhstan to immediately release all those detained for taking part in peaceful protests regarding the elections.
The United States looks forward to advancing its strategic partnership with President Tokayev’s government and the people of Kazakhstan.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
###
